The Job Interview: A Cautionary Tale

The late 1990's found me without a job when the factory I worked for left the country. It was hard to find a new job after that. I looked for a long time. I even went back to school to sharpen the skills I thought I would need to find a good job. Still, after months of sending out resumes and filling out applications I had only been called for a couple of interviews and had received no job offers from them. I kept trying, and even though I was getting nervous I did not give up hope. I finally got a call from a temp service asking me to interview for a great job. In fact, it was not only a great job, it was a dream job.

I picked out my clothes right after I hung up with the temp service even though the interview was two days away. I shined my shoes and made sure my trouser socks were flawless and folded. I ironed my entire outfit and carefully hung it so it would look perfect. I even went and got my hair trimmed. The next day I ironed my outfit again and re-hung it because it had gotten a tiny wrinkle overnight.

I went back through the notes I had taken from a book about interview questions - and I practiced my answers to some of the most common types of questions. I was ready with an answer for anything from, "Why did you leave your last job?" to "What is your greatest weakness?" I was excited, ready, and sure the job was a perfect fit for me.

The time for the interview finally arrived. I got ready, making sure my hair was in place, my shoes were shiny, and my clothes did not have a single wrinkle. My spare resumes were in a professional looking portfolio along with some letters of recommendation and college transcripts. My confidence level was high and my smile was enthusiastic when I walked into the interview. I introduced myself and took the offered seat. If only I had never started talking!

The nervousness that had built up over my long job search exploded right there in the middle of the interview for my dream job. My voice got shrill. I started to talk fast - and about nonsense to boot. I told the interviewer about my family even though I had not been asked. When I was asked a question that was illegal I pointed it out. I talked about my dog. I'm not sure, but I think I may have even told the interviewer what my favorite food was. (By then it was all a blur.) I could hear my inner voice saying, "Just shut up." My mouth, however, continued to engage.

I'm telling this embarrassing tale about that awful job interview because I learned from it, and I am hoping my experience can help someone else who is looking for a job - who maybe gets nervous like I did that day. If you are feeling nervous find a way to channel your nervous energy that won't cost you the job. Work out or go for a long walk earlier that day - or knit - or whatever calms you. Don't offer information the interviewer does not ask for. If there is a moment of silence longer than what feels comfortable - use it to take a breath instead of feeling the need to fill it with chatter. Remember that interviewers can feel just as nervous as interviewees. Finally, if the interview does not go well, don't give up, use it as a learning experience for the next one.